Known for determination and work ethic; remembered kindness and unwavering devotion
NORTH READING — On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Marjorie A. (Hamilton) MacNeil of North Reading, formerly Reading passed away peacefully at the age of 94.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Andrea J. Cassidy and Robert E. MacNeil; her grandchildren, Rebecca Giffune, Jessica Giffune and Joseph Giffune; her great-grandchildren, Ayanna Smith, McKennah Giffune and Hendrix Evans; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of many years, Dana E. MacNeil; brothers, Donald G. Hamilton Jr. and Charles L. Hamilton; and parents Donald Hamilton and Anna Elizabeth (McGrane) Hamilton.
She worked her way through college as a phone switch board operator, paying for her classes weekly. We were always fascinated when she’d explain that she’d hand over her $10 to a Nun who would mark her payments with a quill pen. She graduated from Emmanuel College with a BA in Education and went on to teach first and second grade in Wakefield, Mass. She left teaching to raise her family and started working at Candlewood Lanes where she was the smiling face behind the counter for a generation of kids having bowling alley birthday parties. She loved to stay busy so when she wasn’t at the bowling alley or with her family she worked with her best friend catering for local events.
When her friends started to retire, she wasn’t ready to slow down. She started working at The New England Conservatory of Music, where she was able to see kids from all over the world pursue their dreams. She made it a point to attend every performance she could.
When she did take advantage of some downtime, she loved reading, doing crossword puzzles and watching her beloved Red Sox; 2004 was a special time for her. She also loved going out with the girls to play bingo and go bowling.
She was known for determination and work ethic, and she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and unwavering devotion to those she loved, especially the Red Sox and Big Papi.
A memorial service will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., on Monday, September 22 at the Donaghy New Day Funeral Home, 465 County St., New Bedford, MA 02740
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, Mass., for their care and compassion.